Ex-University Official and Accomplices Accused of Falsifying Invoices, Facing Serious Commercial Crime Charges
Gauteng - The former Chairperson of the University of Johannesburg, Roy David Marcus (76), voluntarily surrendered to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) at the Johannesburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Friday, 13 October 2023. Marcus was placed under arrest in connection with allegations of collusion, amounting to over R14 million, at the prestigious educational institution.
According to reports, Marcus, along with two accomplices, allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for services never rendered by the supposed service provider. The funds, approved and paid without following proper procurement procedures, were misappropriated by one of the accomplices. This financial misconduct occurred without the necessary delegation or authority, violating the University of Johannesburg's Code of Conduct. Marcus and his associates stand accused of misrepresentation and breaching the university's ethical standards.
Following his arrest, Marcus appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes court at the Palm Ridge Magistrates court. The court proceedings have been adjourned until 04 December 2023 for docket disclosure. Marcus was released on a warning and will face the legal process alongside his co-accused, Andries van Schoor, Vice Chancellor of Finance, and Andreas Spilhaus, a Director at Clarify Investment Corporation.
The arrests stem from an ongoing investigation that led to Marcus, van Schoor, and Spilhaus being detained on 30 August 2023. They were subsequently released on a bail of R10,000 each. Marcus, who served as the Director of the companies that were awarded tenders without proper procedures, was also the Chairperson of the University of Johannesburg's Board.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Provincial Head of DPCI in Gauteng, welcomed the arrest and urged the investigative team to pursue all leads diligently. "We are committed to ensuring that those involved in this financial misconduct are held accountable for their actions. Our investigators will follow every lead to ensure justice prevails," stated Major General Kadwa.
The case continues to unfold, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to ethical standards in all sectors, particularly in educational institutions that shape the future of society.
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